2024 NFL Mock Draft – Round 1 (17-32) – Charlie Campbell

Texans general manager Nick Caserio made a terrible trade up in the 2023 NFL to land Will Anderson, giving up the 12th-overall pick, the 33rd-overall pick, and the Texans’ 2024 first-round pick. I like Anderson as a player, but trading three starters for him is not good team building strategy.

At No. 12, Houston could have had some very good players like a sturdy end in Lukas Van Ness, a dynamic speed rusher in Will McDonald, or a No. 1 receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who would have offered continuity with the franchise’s new quarterback. At No. 33, Houston could have had excellent tight end prospects like Sam LaPorta and Michael Mayer, or a dynamic safety/corner in Brian Branch, or some other quality defensive line prospects. The Texans’ 2024 first-rounder will probably be high in Round 1, and that pick could have been used on potential excellent talents like Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. or Florida State defensive end Jared Verse. Passing up a talented combination of three good starters like McDonald, LaPorta, and Harrison Jr. in return for one good starter in Will Anderson was a terrible value the Texans. Beyond that, the team still has a need for long-term defensive backs.

Some teams had Nubin graded as a potential first- or second-round pick for the 2023 NFL Draft prior to him returning to Minnesota for another year. In 2022, Nubin recorded 55 tackles, four interceptions and three passes defended. He had similar production in 2021 with 49 tackles, three picks and two passes broken up. Pro evaluators like that Nubin (6-2, 210) is big, physical, instinctive, and has impressive movement skills for a player of his size.

Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:

The Cowboys grab a fast interior lineman to go with big nose tackle Mazi Smith.

Hall got off to an impressive start for the 2022 season, showing speed and playmaking ability at the point of attack. While Hall (6-2, 290) is a little light, he is fast off the ball with the ability to fire his gap. He recorded 19 tackles and 4.5 sacks in 2022, but looked like he was just scratching the surface of his potential.

Click links to see the Cowboys' picks across all rounds:

The 49ers take an upgrade for nickel corner and safety.

Bullard (5-11, 180) is a corner/safety hybrid who is similar to Detroit Lions defensive backs C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Brian Branch. In 2022, Bullard recorded 46 tackles, two interceptions, three passes broken up and 3.5 sacks. Bullard is highly instinctive, tough, physical, and has excellent feel and awareness. He has a thinner frame, so it would help him to gain some weight for the NFL.

Click links to see the 49ers' picks across all rounds:

The Vikings need more young talent at linebacker.

Trotter (6-0, 230) had a superb 2022 season, making a lot of plays for the Clemson defense. On the year, he recorded 92 tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, six passes broken up, one forced fumble and one interception returned for a touchdown. It was only Trotter’s first seasons as a starter, so he could be even better now that he has some experience. His father, Jeremiah Trotter Sr., played 12 seasons in the NFL and was a four-time Pro Bowler whose his best seasons came with Philadelphia and Washington.

Click links to see the Vikings' picks across all rounds:

Denzel Mims and Elijah Moore were busts for the Jets, and Randall Cobb is not a long-term contributor. Here’s a receiver to pair with Garrett Wilson.

While Kayshon Boutte was supposed to be LSU’s No. 1 wide receiver in 2022, Nabers outplayed him and was a steady contributor for Jayden Daniels. Nabers caught 72 passes for 1,017 yards and three touchdowns. He has decent size at 6-foot, 195 pounds as well as quickness and athleticism.

Click links to see the Jets' picks across all rounds:

The Giants add a play-making wideout and mismatch weapon.

Wilson displayed mismatch size and big-play ability in 2022, hauling in 897 yards and five touchdowns on only 43 receptions – a 20.9-yard average. The 6-foot-7, 235-pounder presents an obvious size disparity, but he runs and moves well for a receiver that big. If Wilson improves his route-running and fundamentals in 2023, he could be an interesting prospect for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Click links to see the Giants' picks across all rounds:

The Seahawks could use more talent at linebacker and edge rusher.

With Will Anderson commanding attention on the other side in 2021, Turner (6-4, 245) had a phenomenal freshman debut for the Crimson Tide. Turner showed serious pass-rush potential in 2021 with 8.5 sacks and 30 tackles while rotating with other defenders. In 2022, Turner collected 37 tackles and four sacks, but he was far more disruptive than the numbers indicate. Turner has upside and could be even better in 2023.

Click links to see the Seahawks' picks across all rounds:

The Jaguars add a corner upgrade to go with Tyson Campbell.

The 6-foot, 195-pound Carson was a solid defensive back for the Demon Deacons over the past two seasons. In 2022, he notched 21 tackles and seven passes defended. He recorded 31 tackles, two interceptions and seven breakups in 2021. Carson has good size, speed, and movement skills.

Click links to see the Jaguars' picks across all rounds:

If some of their young players don’t step up this year, the Ravens will need to draft more young defensive line talent.

As a redshirt freshman in 2022, Tuimoloau (6-4, 270) turned in a good season for the Buckeyes, showing an ability to produce big plays. He recorded 28 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, two interceptions and two passes broken up on the year. Tuimoloau could rise if his pass-rush and sack production improve in 2023.

Click links to see the Ravens' picks across all rounds:

Bradley Roby and Tyrann Mathieu are aging. Here’s an upgrade for New Orleans.

DeJean (6-1, 209) was all over the field for Iowa in 2022, making big plays while totaling 75 tackles, five interceptions and eight passes defended. He is a gritty and instinctive defender. While he has played cornerback for Iowa, some team sources who have already done tape study on DeJean say they believe he would be a better fit playing inside as a hybrid safety and nickel corner in the NFL.

Click links to see the Saints' picks across all rounds:

If J.C. Jackson doesn’t turn his play around in 2023, the Chargers are going to need some cornerback talent.

Dial will continue the South Carolina tradition of producing draftable cornerbacks for the next level, as he flashed ability in 2022 in the starter role across from Cam Sutton. During 2022, Dial recorded three interceptions, 12 passes broken up and 45 tackles. He totaled 33 tackles and six breakups in the previous season. The 6-foot, 195-pounder has a good skill set with size, speed and athleticism. He needs to get more consistent, but he could be a riser for the 2023 NFL Draft.

Click links to see the Chargers' picks across all rounds:

The Bills could use more interior defensive line talent to go with Ed Oliver.

Orhorhoro totaled 23 tackles, five passes batted and four sacks in 2022. He was a solid rotational defender for the Tigers. In 2021, the 6-foot-4, 295-pounder took advantage of the opportunity of Bryan Bresee going out with injury to have a solid season. Orhorhoro totaled 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks that year. While Orhorhoro might be a rotational backup for the next level, NFL teams thought enough of his potential to give him a favorable projection entering the 2022 season.

Click links to see the Bills' picks across all rounds:

The Lions have a solid secondary heading into the 2023 season, but many players are on 1-year contracts. The organization could use more long-term starters at corner to go with Cam Sutton.

Lassiter (6-0, 180) was behind some more experienced players before, but he has a good skill set and could be a breakout cover corner for the Bulldogs in 2023. He recorded 38 tackles and four passes batted in 2022.

Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:

The Chiefs take some more defensive back talent.

Melton went under the radar in 2022 due to playing on a bad Rutgers team that failed to qualify for a bowl game. He totaled 33 tackles, two interceptions and nine passes broken up on the year. While Max Melton had not received a lot of media attention, he caught fire in the scouting community for the 2023 NFL Draft. Some evaluators said they thought Melton could be one of the top cornerback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft and had a shot at being the first one off the board. However, Melton went back to school.

Melton is listed at 6-foot, 190 pounds, but pro sources say he might be more like 5-foot-11, 188 pounds. They state Melton has excellent speed and is super fast at shutting down the deep part of the field. Receivers can’t outrun him, and he is a superb athlete who can run the routes to prevent separation. Melton is a tough competitor and has a lot of upside.

Click links to see the Chiefs' picks across all rounds:

Given the ages of James Bradberry and Darius Slay, the Eagles could use some youth at corner.

Arnold played well for Alabama in 2022, recording 45 tackles, an interception and eight passes broken up. The 6-foot, 188-pounder has quality size to go along with quickness and athleticism.

Click links to see the Eagles' picks across all rounds:

The Bengals could use more safety talent after losing Jesse Bates.

Kinchens broke out in 2022 with six interceptions, five passes defended, 59 tackles and a forced fumble. The 5-foot-11, 202-pounder has good instincts and serious ball skills. Kinchens is athletic and rangy, so he could play single-high deep free safety for the NFL. Sources also say Kinchens is great off the field.

Click links to see the Bengals' picks across all rounds:

Marcus Peters is just a stop-gap player for the Raiders. THey need more long-term cornerback talent to go with Nate Hobbs.

Torrence (6-3, 210) is a very tall and long cornerback who had an impressive 2022 season for the Sun Devils. He recorded 36 tackles, an interception and eight passes defended. Torrence’s fluidity and speed will be examined closely in 2023 to see if he can be more than just a press-man corner.

Click links to see the Raiders' picks across all rounds:

Depending on how the 2023 season goes, the Cardinals could look to add a starting option behind Kyler Murray.

The 6-foot-1, 205-pound Rattler has flashed some big-time ability in 2022, Rattler completed 66 percent of his passes for 3,026 yards, 18 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He has also rushed for three touchdowns. Team sources say they see Rattler as a high-upside pick. They like his big-time arm talent, instincts, athleticism, and irrational confidence. They also love Rattler’s ability to ad lib and make plays off script. The big knock on Rattler is his erratic decision-making. He made huge improvements on accuracy issues at South Carolina, but his propensity to throw interceptions is still a problem.

As a redshirt freshman starter in 2020 at Oklahoma, Rattler completed 68 percent of his passes for 3,031 yards, 28 touchdowns and seven interceptions. In 2021, he did not play as well for the Sooners and was replaced by Caleb Williams.

Click links to see the Cardinals' picks across all rounds:

The Texans need more receiving talent for C.J. Stroud.

With Michael Penix at quarterback in 2022, Odunze (6-3, 201) broke out for Washington, recording 75 receptions for 1,145 yards and seven touchdowns. Odunze has quality size. If he shows the speed to separate against NFL cornerbacks, he could be a riser for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Click links to see the Texans' picks across all rounds:

Cam Jordan is aging, and the Saints could use a speed-rushing end to pair with Isaiah Foskey.

Robinson (6-3, 250) plays defensive end for Penn State, but for the NFL, he may have to move to outside linebacker given his size. If Robinson is any smaller than his listed numbers, he definitely will be too small to play end on an every-down basis. Robinson recorded 5.5 sacks, 10 tackles for a loss, two passes batted, one forced fumble and 26 tackle in 2022. Playing for Maryland in 2021, he had 19 tackles and two sacks.

Click links to see the Saints' picks across all rounds:

The Colts let Yannick Ngakoue leave in free agency and need another edge rusher to go with Kwity Paye.

The 6-foot-6, 268-pound Jones could be a fast riser for the 2024 NFL Draft if he plays up to his skill set. He is fast off the edge with size, length and strength. In 2022, Jones notched 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble and 23 tackles. He has the potential to be a breakout star in 2023.

Click links to see the Colts' picks across all rounds:

The Rams need an understudy to Matthew Stafford given his age and durability issues.

Daniels completed 69 percent of his passes in 2022 for 2,913 yards, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions. He also went for 885 yards and 11 touchdowns on the ground. Daniels is a dual-threat quarterback who showed improvement as a passer throughout the season with LSU. He has a quality arm and is a shifty runner, but he needs to become more consistent as a pocket passer.

While playing for Arizona State in 2021, Daniels completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,380 yards, 10 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. He was impressive in 2019, showing playmaking ability as a passer and runner while producing points for the Sun Devils, but he did not look as good in the short 2020 season.

Click links to see the Rams' picks across all rounds:

The Panthers could use a better defensive tackle to pair with Derrick Brown.

After a few quiet years at South Carolina, Burch broke out year in 2022, recording 60 tackles with 3.5 sacks. Burch (6-6, 295) transferred to Oregon for 2023, and if he builds on last year’s performance, he could be a riser for the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Packers could use more corner talent to go with Jaire Alexander.

Most freshmen don’t play immediately for Nick Saban, but McKinstry was an anomaly, notching 26 tackles, an interception, a pass broken up and a sack in 2021. In 2022, McKinstry recorded 35 tackles, a sack, an interception and 15 passes broken up. The 6-foot-1, 188-pounder possesses, size, length and physicality. However, he is a press-man corner only and does not look like a good fit for a zone or off-man scheme.

Click links to see the Packers' picks across all rounds:

The Patriots add another weapon for Mac Jones because Mike Gesicki only signed a 1-year contract and his weakness as a blocker could lead to a short stay in New England.

Sanders emerged as a dangerous receiving weapon in 2022, showing mismatch speed and athleticism. For the year, he totaled 613 yards and five touchdowns over 54 receptions. Sanders needs to improve as a blocker, but he has upside to be even better in 2023.

Click links to see the Patriots' picks across all rounds:

Baker Mayfield is not a long-term starter, and Kyle Trask probably isn’t either. Here’s a potential starter for Tampa Bay.

While dealing with injuries in 2022, Jefferson completed 68 percent of his passes for 2,648 yards, 24 touchdowns and five interceptions. On the ground, he ran for 640 yards and nine touchdowns. Jefferson broke out for the Razorbacks in 2021, displaying impressive dual-threat ability. He completed 67 percent of his passes for 2,676 yards, 21 touchdowns and four interceptions. Jefferson showed nice vertical touch passing ability and really hurt defenses by lofting balls downfield off of play action. On the ground, he accounted for 664 yards and six touchdowns, showing good size and toughness as a runner.

Click links to see the Buccaneers' picks across all rounds:

Depending on how Sam Howell plays in 2023, Washington could be looking for another starting quarterback option.

The former Indiana Hoosier turned in a breakout season for Washington in 2022. His previous high total of 1,645 yards in 2020 was almost tripled, as he threw for 4,641 yards while competing 65.3 percent of his passes for 31 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He also ran for four touchdowns.

The Tampa, Florida product Penix has a live arm and can fire missiles into tight windows. In 2023, Penix (6-3, 214) needs to show improved ability to handle pass pressure, improve his field vision, and polish his pocket passing overall.

Click links to see the Redskins' picks across all rounds:

The Steelers add some more young talent to the defensive line.

After spending a couple of seasons as a backup, Jenkins (6-3, 305) earned a starting spot in 2022 and had a strong debut with 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and two hurries. It would help Jenkins to ramp up his pass-rush production in 2023. He is the son of former Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Kris Jenkins.

Click links to see the Steelers' picks across all rounds:

The Bears could use multiple defensive line upgrades.

Sawyer (6-4, 260) flashed potential for the Buckeyes as a freshman in 2021 with 13 tackles and three sacks in a backup role. In 2022, he recorded 24 tackles, one pass defended and 4.5 sacks. Sawyer has a good skill set and upside, so the former five-star recruit could break out during 2023.

Click links to see the Bears' picks across all rounds:

Unless Caleb Farley can finally stay healthy and play well, the Titans could consider more corner talent to go with Roger McCreary.

Vaughn (6-0, 188) is a big cornerback who has excellent size and length. In 2022, he notched 25 tackles and nine passes defended. Even though Vaughn is a big corner, he moves well his size. Vaughn could help himself by showing more ball skills via some interceptions in 2023.

Click links to see the Titans' picks across all rounds:

The Dolphins need more talent in the backfield.

Henderson put together an impressive freshman year in 2021 and was too talented to keep on the bench behind more experienced upperclassmen. He averaged 6.8 yards per carry that season for 1,248 yards and 15 touchdowns on only 183 carries. Henderson also was an impressive receiving back, snatching 27 passes for 312 yards and four scores. In 2022, he averaged 5.3 yards per carry for 571 yards and six touchdowns before getting injured. With his impressive skill set, Henderson (5-10, 214) has the potential to explode at some point.

Click links to see the Dolphins' picks across all rounds:

The Falcons could use more talent at linebacker.

As a first-season starter in 2022, Dumas-Johnson (6-1, 245) put together an impressive debut with 70 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble and three passes broken up. He has a good skill set and could rise now that he has more experience.

Click links to see the Falcons' picks across all rounds:

The Browns could use more interior defensive line talent.

In 2022, Davis recorded 32 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two passes batted. He showed some quickness and athleticism. If Davis were a little taller and longer, he would be very sought after. Before 2022, Davis flashed some ability for the Tigers. In 2019, he had an excellent debut with 44 tackles, 5.5 sacks and two passes batted. Davis is quick and plays with good leverage.

Tony Pollard may not end up getting signed to a long-term deal. Even if Dallas does bring him back, the team could consider adding a back to go with him.

Edwards (6-1, 204) was the backup to Blake Corum in 2022, but Edwards was superb to close out the year, showing a real combination of size and speed. He was phenomenal in the games against Ohio State (22-216-2), Purdue (25-185-1) and TCU (23-119). Edwards has quality size and impressive speed to break out off long runs.

Click links to see the Cowboys' picks across all rounds:

The 49ers grab some tackle help with Trent Williams aging.

Nelson was Wisconsin’s starting left tackle in 2022, flashing real ability. The 6-foot-7, 310-pounder possesses excellent size and upside to improve as he gains experience.

Click links to see the 49ers' picks across all rounds:

Kirk Cousins is a free agent after this season, and even if he is re-signed, the Vikings could use a young backup with starter upside.

The Auburn transfer Nix had an ugly start to the 2022 season against Georgia, but he played better over the course of the season. In 2022. he completed 72 percent of his passes for 3,593 yards, 29 touchdowns and seven interceptions. Nix also ran for 14 touchdowns. His stat line was a big improvement in his passing production over his three seasons at Auburn. If Nix continues to improve as a pocket passer, he could be a riser for the 2024 NFL Draft.

Click links to see the Vikings' picks across all rounds:

The Jets could use more talent at safety.

Williams (6-5, 224) is a big safety with the size of a linebacker, but he moves pretty well for his size. Williams is more of a strong safety than a free safety for the NFL. He is consistent in terms of his eye discipline, technique and tackling. His instincts aren’t bad either, and he has some coverage ability alongside flashes of physicality. In 2022, Williams recorded 59 tackles, one interception, one forced fumble and six passes broken up.

Click links to see the Jets' picks across all rounds:

The Giants could use a multiple receiver upgrades.

McConkey (6-0, 185) is not the biggest or fastest receiver, but he is a gritty football player who came up with some clutch plays for Georgia in its back-to-back National Championship seasons. McConkey recorded 58 catches for 762 yards with seven touchdowns in 2022. That was a big improvement over 2021 (31-447-5). McConkey might fit best as a slot receiver at the next level.

Click links to see the Giants' picks across all rounds:

The Seahawks grab an understudy for Geno Smith.

McCarthy had a strong 2022 season, leading Michigan to the college football playoff. On they year, He completed 65 percent of his passes for 2,719 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also did some damage on the ground with 306 yards and five scores. The 6-foot-3, 196-pounder has the upside to improve with experience.

Click links to see the Seahawks' picks across all rounds:

Unless Ben Bartch proves he is up to the job in 2023, the Jaguars could use more interior offensive line talent to protect Trevor Lawrence.

The 6-foot-4, 300-pound Jackson was a tough blocker for the Buckeyes in 2022, blasting open holes in the ground game and doing a steady job of protecting C.J. Stroud. Jackson has upside to develop as he gains experience.

Click links to see the Jaguars' picks across all rounds:

The Ravens could use some youth at running back thanks to J.K. Dobbins being unreliable.

Corum (5-8, 210) was a tough back and point producer for the Wolverines in 2022. As a downhill runner, he shows good strength to break tackles alongside contact balance and an ability to pick up yards after a hit. In 2022, Corum averaged 5.9 yards per carry for 1,463 yards and 18 touchdowns. He also recorded five receptions for 73 yards.

Click links to see the Ravens' picks across all rounds:

The Eagles could use more youth at safety.

Bullock broke out for the Trojans in 2022, recording 48 tackles, five interceptions and six passes defended. The sophomore showed instincts and a knack for making some splash plays in the clutch. As a freshman, he totaled 39 tackles, two interceptions and three passes defended. Bullock (6-3, 180) is a tall, long safety with ball skills. For the NFL, he could stand to get stronger and fill out his frame.

Click links to see the Eagles' picks across all rounds:

The Chargers could use more defensive tackle talent.

Sweat is a massive nose tackle who is a beast at the point of attack in the ground game. The 6-foot-4, 340-pounder had his best statistical year so far in 2022, totaling 29 tackles, four passes broken up. He recorded 22 stops total in each of the two seasons before.

Sweat is a big, powerful, strong man who can cause disruption at the point of attack and also generate a push in the pass rush. Off the field, team sources say Sweat is a good kid but also has some issues with lethargy and likes to party. Sweat has a big-time skill set and potential to develop.

Click links to see the Chargers' picks across all rounds:

The Bills continues to beef up their offensive line.

Parks (6-5, 300) broke into the starting lineup as a true sophomore in 2021, taking the snaps at right tackle for the Tigers. His run blocking is ahead of his pass protection, but he has upside and should improve as he gains experience.

Click links to see the Bills' picks across all rounds:

The Lions could use multiple cornerbacks considering only Cam Sutton is signed beyond this season.

Illinois has produced some excellent defensive back prospects for the NFL in recent years, and Nicholson could carry the torch for the 2024 NFL Draft. In 2022, Nicholson recorded 19 tackles, an interception and seven passes defended. Now that Devon Witherspoon is in the NFL, Nicholson (5-11, 180) should take over as the No. 1 corner for the Fighting Illini.

Click links to see the Lions' picks across all rounds:

The Chiefs grab more defensive line help.

Taylor flashed some potential as a freshman in 2021, racking up 24 tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, three sacks and a pass broken up. In 2022, he recorded 10 tackles and 1.5 sacks. The 6-foot-3, 305-pounder has upside to grow as he gains experience. Team sources say Taylor could go as high as a top-15 choice in the 2024 NFL Draft or as low as the fifth round. They say if he puts his mind to it, works hard and plays hard, the sky is the limit for him. It will be interesting to see if Taylor plays up to his potential in 2023.

Click links to see the Chiefs' picks across all rounds:

The Eagles grab some more youth at linebacker.

Gray (6-2, 230) was one of the best linebackers in college football in 2022, and he was super productive for the Tar Heels. On the year, Gray recorded 144 tackles, three forced fumbles, two interceptions, six passes broken up and one sack. In 2021, he totaled 99 tackles, 2.5 sacks, two interceptions, one forced fumble and three pass breakups.

Click links to see the Eagles' picks across all rounds:

The Bengals have Ted Karras signed for now, but they could use a long-term center to protect Joe Burrow. Lee spent four seasons at Central Florida before transferring to Miami. The 6-foot-4, 295-pounder has quality size and is a well-rounded blocker. He was very good in pass protection and a solid run blocker for the Knights. Lee could be a riser if he performs well in his final season with Miami.

Click links to see the Bengals' picks across all rounds: